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Depression

Depression affects people in Australia every day. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with depression.

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Jeriava How do I talk to my doctor?
  • replies: 9

I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 7-8 years but I finally made an appointment with a doctor. I feel really scared though because I don’t ever go to the doctor for anything, and I havent seen this doctor for so many years that I’m really ... View more

I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 7-8 years but I finally made an appointment with a doctor. I feel really scared though because I don’t ever go to the doctor for anything, and I havent seen this doctor for so many years that I’m really scared that they’ll judge me or won’t believe anything I say. I’m really anti social so I feel like I won’t be able to say what I wanna say or I’ll say the wrong thing causing them to just dismiss me and move me along without helping. I’m just tired of feeling alone, depressed and just worthless but I’m really scared to talk to them.

Chris_B Are you looking to support someone else with depression? PLEASE READ before posting
  • replies: 1

This forum is for people seeking support for their own mental health issues. If you're posting on behalf of someone else with a mental health issue that you're concerned about, please have a look at this section of our forums: Supporting family and f... View more

This forum is for people seeking support for their own mental health issues. If you're posting on behalf of someone else with a mental health issue that you're concerned about, please have a look at this section of our forums: Supporting family and friends with a mental health condition It's full of threads from people who have family members and friends going through anxiety, depression or other related conditions. Have a read through the threads there, and feel free to take part in the discussions. Below are also some helpful beyondblue resources you might want to look through first as well: Supporting someone Have the conversation

AGrace SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING DEPRESSION
  • replies: 132

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas you might like to try for managing symptoms of depression. Of course everyone's different, so let us know what works for you, and please feel free to add to the list... Mindfulness – through breathing or engaging the ... View more

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas you might like to try for managing symptoms of depression. Of course everyone's different, so let us know what works for you, and please feel free to add to the list... Mindfulness – through breathing or engaging the 5 senses Distress Tolerance – Accepting Emotions and Self Soothing Distraction – Put the thoughts/feelings aside and come back to them when you are ready to deal with them Positive Affirmations – Have some affirmations written down repeat them to yourself daily Sleep/Exercise/Diet – All 3 aspects of our lifestyle can impact the way we think/feel Increasing Pleasurable Activities – Engage in at least one pleasurable activity per day

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Buzmel Left family and friends to move interstate
  • replies: 2

Hi, my husband and I have moved interstate and have left our 2 children ( both adults) and our beautiful 3 year old granddaughter. My mum does live in the same suburb but that is not why we moved. We moved for something different as we had no ties an... View more

Hi, my husband and I have moved interstate and have left our 2 children ( both adults) and our beautiful 3 year old granddaughter. My mum does live in the same suburb but that is not why we moved. We moved for something different as we had no ties and thought why not. We had to live in a caravan park for 6 weeks until we found a house to buy. Since moving here I am severely depressed, I miss my friends, kids and especially my granddaughter. I cry almost everyday (my husband doesnt know) I have no friends, I hate my job and there are no others as its a small town. When I speak with my friends from interstate they dont understand what and how I am feeling. I cant speak to mum as she says it will get better, she has done the same thing etc etc. Im not coping at all. I feel some days im doing stupid things like putting things in the wrong place ie. I make a coffee and go to put sugar in the fridge or a completely different cupboard. The list goes on and on. I just want to know if anyone else has gone or going through the same thing, I really need help, Im so sad.

Crazy_girl My day
  • replies: 1

I woke up but I wish I was still alseep. I don't wanna get out of bed but I have to. I can't even look at myself in the mirror without hate. Why do I have to be this way? I know there is something wrong and I know I am not alone but why does it alway... View more

I woke up but I wish I was still alseep. I don't wanna get out of bed but I have to. I can't even look at myself in the mirror without hate. Why do I have to be this way? I know there is something wrong and I know I am not alone but why does it always feel like I am. I turn to my friends more then my family, knowing dam well my friends will do a better job then anyone else....but why do I have to suffer? After everything I have been through is this what God gave me to put me through more hell or is he just teaching me to be stronger. Why does it feel like whenever I try to talk to my mother she steals the words from my mouth and puts them all in the trash. Why does it feel like I'm on mute by my family but yet I let them speak how they feel. Am I not important? Or am I just not good enough? Maybe your just going through a lot and you don't have room for anyone else's pain, or you just don't even care how I'm doing. You say you love me but to me it feels like you hate me, why? Why mother? Why does it have to be me? You say you don't want me to end up like you, so letting me feel like I am running out of air is better then taking me to get help? And who know you can be so heartless to your own daughter, other's don't see it but I do, I was born from a monster. I can never wash the blood off my hands that you put there, I can never be like you but turns out I'm your reflection. Mother like daughter that say, but they don't know what is behind the curtains. If only they could see, if only you didn't make them blind. Mother, I can't be you, I won't be you.

i-l I think I have depression and I don’t know how to reach out for help
  • replies: 1

For about 5 months now I’ve been feeling extremely empty some days and other days so overwhelmingly sad. But I’m not sure if it’s depression. Every once in a while I’ll have a good day, a really good day, or maybe just a good moment and in those mome... View more

For about 5 months now I’ve been feeling extremely empty some days and other days so overwhelmingly sad. But I’m not sure if it’s depression. Every once in a while I’ll have a good day, a really good day, or maybe just a good moment and in those moments I feel like it’s going to last forever and that I’m fine again but it always comes crashing down. I used to be an extremely social person but now I don’t even have the energy to text my friends. I also try thinking about happy memories but those memories no longer feel happy. The world almost feels like it has a black haze over it like it’ll be a nice sunny day but it feels like a rainy sad day. I don’t know how to describe it but EVERYTHING just feels gloomy. I feel so tired all the time and I just don’t even want to get out of bed anymore. If I could lay in my room all day and just exist like that I would. I feel really lonely because I don’t have anyone to talk to about what’s going on. I have heaps of friends but they’re all going through their own stuff and I don’t want to burden them with my problems. But I also just feel so exhausted and guilty because because they’ll tell me what they’re going through and I can’t handle it even though it’s not even my problem and I’m not the one dealing with it. I tired of always acting like the happy, outgoing person around everyone when I’m dying inside. I feel like a burden on everyone in my life and I feel like they would all be better without me. I think about killing my self a lot. I feel like none of this is ever going to get better. As I said before I’m not sure if this is depression but I’ve had episodes like this in the past but they’ve never been as bad as this. I feel so utterly alone I don’t even know why I’m on here telling strangers this, i guess it’s because I’ve never been able to tell anyone any of this. Sorry for writing so much

Anonymous1712 Can't Get Help
  • replies: 2

I was first diagnosed with depression at 18 (I am now 71) and over the years have been on different anti depressants and been referred for counselling. Nothing has really helped, but being a person who tries to make the most of things I have just had... View more

I was first diagnosed with depression at 18 (I am now 71) and over the years have been on different anti depressants and been referred for counselling. Nothing has really helped, but being a person who tries to make the most of things I have just had to get on with it. However, I have never understood how I could feel miserable when on paper I had everything a person could need or want. A loving husband, beautiful children, a home etc. There was always a feeling that something was missing and I had no idea what it was. I have experienced periods of happiness, but never contentment. Life seemed to be something I just had to get through. Whilst I was in hospital (over a year ago) a psychiatrist came to see me. I told her my life history and she concluded she thought I may have ADHD and on discharge I should see my GP to and ask to be put on a mental health care plan. Of course, I googled ADHD there in black and white was the story of my life, everything made sense and there was a solution. I felt excited, that even at an advanced age I I might get some relief from my miserable existence. On discharge I went to my GP, who didn't bother with a MHCP but referred me to a psychiatrist . After about 3 months I hadn't heard from them so phoned just to check I was in the system. I was told he couldn't see me. I made an appointment with another GP once again to ask to go on a MHCP. No interest there either. I go to another GP explain what psychiatrist had suggested. This GP said he would like to get the report from hospital psychiatrist before he did anything. Great, I thought, now I am getting somewhere. No such luck, it took the hospital about 3 months to send the report through and no mention of ADHD. Okay that's disappointing but I still need a MHCP don't I. His reply "why would you bother at your age" has destroyed me. My son wants nothing to do with me as he says I am not trying hard enough to get help.

Diver_1 Stand Tall and Fall
  • replies: 2

This is my start and I am not sure where it is going, but I do know where I am right now for the first time in this life of mine, but at this moment all I see is a very abrupt stop. Where do you start? How do you start? I am terrified of opening this... View more

This is my start and I am not sure where it is going, but I do know where I am right now for the first time in this life of mine, but at this moment all I see is a very abrupt stop. Where do you start? How do you start? I am terrified of opening this flood gate because I am not sure I can close it.

Lysha56 Depression
  • replies: 3

Today was really hard. I struggled a lot with getting out of bed and I’m failing all my classes.

Today was really hard. I struggled a lot with getting out of bed and I’m failing all my classes.

Advise-Seeker Consistent Menstrual Cycle with Antidepressants
  • replies: 4

Hello, I was wondering if anyone has had a similar issue with antidepressant medications? I have tried various medications. I start to have menstrual bleeding around 2/3 weeks and it does not stop until I stop the medication. I’m already anaemic so t... View more

Hello, I was wondering if anyone has had a similar issue with antidepressant medications? I have tried various medications. I start to have menstrual bleeding around 2/3 weeks and it does not stop until I stop the medication. I’m already anaemic so that’s this is not ideal. I have the contraceptive implant in and normally do not get my period at all. I’m really looking for any help as my psychiatrist, therapist and GP are at a loss and say this side effect only affects a very small number of women. Also, I am seeing a massive positive effect on my mental health when I am on medication so really want to stay on it. Any help would be amazing! Thanks

Winged Anxiety to depression
  • replies: 2

Hi, I’m your newest member. So glad to have found this resource and community.Over the last three years I’ve been managing my anxiety and panic attacks with medication and an exercise regime. I’ve just left a really stressful job, which pushed me bey... View more

Hi, I’m your newest member. So glad to have found this resource and community.Over the last three years I’ve been managing my anxiety and panic attacks with medication and an exercise regime. I’ve just left a really stressful job, which pushed me beyond my limit for the past 7 months. This week, as I’ve started my new job, a coincidence of factors caused two of the worst panic attacks I’ve experienced. I talked to my GP and his view is I’ve progressed towards depression, and present signs of PTSD. I’m booked in to see a psychologist through my employer. I’m committed to doing whatever’s necessary to regain balance. But my fear is whether I’ll get back to feeling stable and resilient, or if I’m going to be teetering on the edge indefinitely. I am truly lucky to have a supporting partner and teenage kids who I share my challenges with openly. I’m scared I’m going to be a burden and drain on them emotionally.

Ragnarsson Feel like a broken human being
  • replies: 3

Not really sure what to write here just wanted to hear how others have dealt with things.My depression and anxiety have gotten so bad that I avoid leaving the house unless I'm working. Something changed in me after the covid lockdowns and we're compo... View more

Not really sure what to write here just wanted to hear how others have dealt with things.My depression and anxiety have gotten so bad that I avoid leaving the house unless I'm working. Something changed in me after the covid lockdowns and we're compounded when my father got diagnosed with cancer.I'm 34 and it's gotten to the point where I feel like there is no turning things around I've never been a depressed person.Thanks for letting me vent guys.

Existentiality Finding it difficult to get help because I appear high functioning
  • replies: 7

I'm a late career professional and superficially my life is a success, but for at least a decade I've struggled with my mental health. My patience and tolerance is often impaired by my underlying sense of despair. I can pull myself together for 'real... View more

I'm a late career professional and superficially my life is a success, but for at least a decade I've struggled with my mental health. My patience and tolerance is often impaired by my underlying sense of despair. I can pull myself together for 'real' responsibilities concerning other people (being a good parent, supporting relatives, responding to ethical dilemmas in my work) but I have just about given up on my own life. I push myself to exercise regularly and eat well, but all that does is keep my physical structure afloat. I cannot connect with the people around me and I'm chronically single (I form new relationships frequently and they never last long). I've tried various counsellors but they consider that I'm coping OK or they offer really inappropriate support strategies. I'm entirely secular in my beliefs so anything spiritual or faith-based is anathema to me.